detention — the action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: the action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈtenʃən/
Example Sentences
- Jake got detention for putting a whoopee cushion on the teacher's chair.
- The activist was held in detention for three days without charges.
- Saturday detention meant missing the school dance - what a nightmare!
detention
NOUN[/dɪˈtenʃən/]
the action of detaining someone or the state of being detained in official custody
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin detentio, derived from detinere meaning 'to hold back' or 'to detain'. The verb combines de- (away) and tenere (to hold), originally referring to the act of holding someone back or restraining them from departure.
Breakdown
de- (away, from) + tenere (to hold) + -tion (act or process). The suffix -tion converts the Latin verb detinere into a noun denoting the action of detaining or holding back.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Jake got detention for putting a whoopee cushion on the teacher's chair.”
“The activist was held in detention for three days without charges.”
“Saturday detention meant missing the school dance - what a nightmare!”
“The detention facility was overcrowded with illegal immigrants.”
📚Related Words
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